From Classroom to BAFTA: Ewan Denny’s Inspiring Journey in Television

We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumnus, Ewan Denny, a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-winning editor and producer. Since graduating with a BA in Television from our College, Ewan has forged an outstanding career in the industry, recently releasing a powerful and deeply moving documentary, The Tattooist’s Son: Journey to Auschwitz. This poignant film follows Gary Sokolov, the only son of Gita and Lali Sokolov—the real-life tattooist of Auschwitz—as he visits the concentration camp for the first time.

Beyond his professional successes, Ewan remains a dedicated supporter of emerging talent. He recently returned to our College as a panel guest at our Learning and Teaching Conference on 21 January 2025, where he generously shared his industry insights, inspiring both students and faculty.

Looking back at your time studying at our college, what aspects of your education best prepared you for the industry?

"My lecturers were all highly experienced professionals who shared their lived experiences and industry knowledge throughout our course. This had a massive impact, as it wasn’t just theoretical—it was real-world insight. The emphasis on group work was also invaluable, as it mirrored the collaborative nature of the television industry. No production is a solo effort; it requires a team of experts working together. Additionally, the inclusion of work experience placements was instrumental in preparing me for the industry."

What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

"Breaking into an industry known for being risk-averse was a major challenge. Convincing employers that I was the right person for the job required persistence. I approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and a proactive attitude—offering help wherever I saw bottlenecks in a production. This willingness to go the extra mile, along with the simple act of making cups of tea for colleagues, helped build trust and rapport within teams."

Your latest project, The Tattooist’s Son: Journey to Auschwitz, is a deeply moving documentary. What drew you to this story, and what impact do you hope it has on audiences?

"I had previously worked with the film’s director, Stephen Bennett, on another documentary for the BBC, and when he was approached by Synchronicity Films to direct The Tattooist’s Son, he believed I was the right fit to edit it. I was immediately drawn to the project because of its powerful subject matter—the Holocaust, intergenerational trauma, and personal discovery. Knowing that the film would air on Holocaust Memorial Day to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz made it even more important to handle the historical content with care and respect. Lali and Gita’s love story, set against the horrors of Auschwitz, is widely known through the best-selling book and TV drama The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Continuing their story through their son Gary’s journey was an honour. I hope the film encourages audiences to reflect on their own histories and to commemorate both the survivors and those who were lost."

With the television industry constantly evolving, what advice would you give to students and aspiring filmmakers?

"Hone your skills in any way possible. If you love editing, use free software like DaVinci Resolve or make the most of college resources such as Avid or student discounts for Premiere Pro. If directing is your passion but you don’t have professional equipment, start by shooting engaging content on your phone and sharing it on YouTube or TikTok. It’s better to create and learn from experience than to wait for the ‘perfect’ project. Opportunities often arise unexpectedly, and the more work you have to showcase, the better your chances of progressing in the industry. Lastly, seize every opportunity with both hands—you never know where it might lead."